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Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

I am treatment free most years (for varroa,shb, or bee squirts (sorry couldn't remember name)) I have treated in the past with oxalic acid vaporization, Fall of 2011 I did, This fall I'm not.

Going into winter with 3 Single story deep hives, 2 double deep hives, 3 nucs, 2 double mediums, and 1 triple medium. 2 of the Nucs had been in fullsize hives, but didn't have time (or resources, dang drought) to build up to that strengh so I moved them back to nucs. Of course I'm 100% honest, but that has more to do with being a Boy Scout(40 years old and still try to live that way) than a Beekeeper LOL A scout is trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful...
Rod

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

Glad it isn't too late to join! As of October 1st I had (still have) two hives. One NWC and one Buckfast. They are top bar and both small enough that they could be considered nucs. They are both pretty good on honey/sugar stores, maybe a little low on pollen in one, and I tried to manage pests but stay chemical free. The one that was low on pollen has a smaller cluster but is doing okay so far.

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

So far I still have all four but work and Family medical emergiencies have kept me from getting my winter covers with candy on the hives. Should hit 50 tomorrow with no wind so I am going for it and will hope for no ill effects!

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

OK, thanks to Ollie's generous offer to honest latecomers I'm in. 18 nucs (2 storys of 5 frames) and 12 hives (ranging in size from a single to a stack of four boxes). A dusting of snow is on the ground.

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

On 10/1/12 I had three splits and three mature hives. I still have them. My last inspection was a week ago, and since I am on my way to knee replacement surgery early in the morning, I don't think my bees will be bothered by me for a month or so. All of my hives had good honey stores, and I am not, nor do I intend to, feed them this winter. I may try a spring boost feeding, but then again, I may not.

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

I just found this thread so I'm another latecomer. As of 10/1 I had 6 hives and as of today still do. I am a "treater" and treated for mites three times by three different methods in 2012. Good luck to all.

I will report back on 3/31/2013. This is a good idea and will give a lot of good information. We all need to know if our treatment cost are paid back in saved hives.

Re: Are you ready for the Odfrank overwintering challenge?

I would like to add my 7 hives as of 1 October into the challenge. No treatment, low mite drop count, mostly double deep + medium, wrapped, and top feed can fed. Had a 14% loss last winter and going for a zero % loss this winter.

Honesty is important as mentioned by rweakly (Post #105). My first Boy Scout merit badge was "Beekeeping" in ~1954.

OD; The five remaining beebee tree saplings (out of 25) that I bought from you two years ago have reached an astounding average height of 24 inches. Honestly!